KAPOLEI, Hawaii and
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Most women with the
title "mommy" know the importance of patience, compassion and a
caring touch to ensure their charges thrive. For the past three
years, Adela Salacup earned this
title not from her own child, but from an 'Ohana Health Plan
member. Salacup was welcomed into the member's home through
Hawaii's Community Care Foster
Family Home (CCFFH) program.
"This member has no known family or friends, but calls Adela
'mommy' and refers to her as 'my family,'" said Lolita Ching, owner of Quality Case Management
Inc., a case management agency in Waipahu. "This is because Adela treats the
member like she is a part of her family. I am honored to have
someone like Adela affiliated with our agency."
With a history that includes diabetes, high blood pressure,
asthma and behavioral health conditions, Salacup's care allows this
member to receive the attention she needs in a loving, home
setting. In addition to providing food, shelter and medical
services, Salacup takes time to help the member develop healthy
behaviors and stay connected to her community. For example, Salacup
purchases knitting supplies to redirect her from smoking, includes
her in dinner parties, and takes her on shopping trips.
Today 'Ohana Health Plan, a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE:
WCG) company, will honor Adela and nine other caregivers who
literally bring their "work" home with them. These outstanding
caregivers participate in 'Ohana's CCFFH program and care for
veterans, the elderly, and others with long-term health care needs,
in their homes.
Also known as the Adult Foster Care Program, this state program
provides an alternative to traditional long-term care for members
who are unable to care for themselves. Foster homes are
single-family homes where care is provided for one to three people.
'Ohana has participated in the Adult Foster Care Program since 2009
and has approximately 800 members enrolled.
The honorees, who were nominated by their case management agency
owners, are:
- Doreen Torres, Ewa Beach, All Island Case Management
Corporation
- Myra Venegas, Honolulu, Azil Case Management
Agency
- Aurelia Jacob, Ewa Beach, Blue Water Resources
- Leslie Ballesteros, Pearl City, Case Management Professionals,
Inc.
- Estrelita Caramancion,
Waipahu, Health Services
Hawaii
- Emily Saturnino, Honolulu, Nightingale Case Management
- Imelda Bonilla, Waipahu, 'Ohana Case Management
- Adela Salacup, Waipahu, Quality Case Management Inc.
- Rowena Sabio, Waipahu, Residential Choices, Inc.
- Prixie Cruz, Kapolei, Veterans
Administration Case Management Agency
"One of the most important things we do in managed care is to
help our members access the care and services they need within the
most appropriate setting," said Dr. Edward
Fess, medical director at 'Ohana Health Plan. "Here in
Hawaii, we are fortunate to have
options that include care in smaller, more intimate adult foster
care homes. The honorees regularly go above and beyond their roles
as caregivers to provide our members with both long-term care and
personal attention. I am inspired by their commitment to doing the
things that make life complete, like going on outings to the beach
and shopping trips, and enabling continued participation in
hobbies."
To qualify for the program, members must not need health care
beyond the level typically provided by a nursing home or
intermediate care facility. They are examined by a physician before
being accepted into the program to ensure that more complex care is
not necessary.
During the foster home placement, 'Ohana's care management team
works closely with the care managers and families to ensure that
the member and caregiver's personalities are a match to facilitate
a successful placement.
"We use a coordinated care approach designed to ensure all
members receive the unique services and supports they need to
achieve and maintain the best health outcomes possible," said
Rida Ching, director of service
coordination for 'Ohana. "The adult foster care program allows our
members with long-term services and supports needs to remain a part
of their communities and to receive care within a family
environment. Members are literally taken into the daily lives of
their caregivers."
Care managers from the community care management agencies
routinely visit adult foster homes to check on members, and to
review detailed notes from the caregivers about the services that
have been provided. These care managers work closely with 'Ohana to
make sure the member receives all needed services, equipment and
supplies.
"It is a setting where the member, who often has no family on
the islands, can feel wanted and cared for in a family situation,"
said Donna Oshiro, 'Ohana service
coordinator.
As of June 30, 2016, 'Ohana Health
Plan has more than 230 employees in Hawaii and serves approximately 57,000 members
through its offices in Kapolei,
Honolulu, Hilo and Kahului.
About 'Ohana Health Plan
'Ohana Health Plan is offered
by WellCare Health Plans, Inc. WellCare provides managed care
services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs,
focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. WellCare offers a variety of
health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and
disabled, as well as prescription drug plans. The company serves
approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2016. 'Ohana has been able to take
WellCare's national experience and develop an 'Ohana care model
that addresses local members' health care and health coordination
needs. As of June 30, 2016, 'Ohana
serves approximately 48,800 Medicaid members, 7,800 Medicare
Advantage members, and 400 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members
in Hawaii. For more information
about 'Ohana, please visit the company's website at
www.ohanahealthplan.com.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.